The Toys for Kids telethon is a decades-long tradition joining the local Cable TV company and community groups in New Bedford, Massachusetts to help needy families in our area have a more joyous holiday season.

This year Comcast and New Bedford High School are working together to cablecast the 2004 Toys for Kids Telethon live on Channel 09 on Friday December 3rd from 6pm to 9pm. The event will take place at the Philip Bronspiegel Memorial Auditorium in New Bedford High School.

There will be continuous entertainment in the auditorium performed by various New Bedford High School student groups and clubs. Telethon host Phil Paleologos will be stationed in the front lobby to greet guests who will be stopping by to give donations of cash and toys. Guests are expected to include leaders of the business community and local government as well as clubs and organizations from the area. Individuals are also welcome to stop by the telethon to make donations and enjoy the entertainment. Popcorn and refreshments will be served and Santa Claus will be available for taking photographs with the children.

Proceeds from the telethon will be given directly to the Salvation Army in New Bedford, who will then provide needy families in our area with toys and dinner vouchers.

For more information about how you can help the Toys for Kids telethon, leave your name and telephone number at 508-990-7000, or use the contact form below.

How You Can Help

Businesses

Send in contributions of Cash(checks made payable to "Toys for Kids")
or one or more $10 Gift Certificates.

You can send in your own $10 Gift Certificates
or download and print a Donation Certificate
by clickinghere.

When you come to the telethon on December 3rd,
for every $5 donation you make,
you will be eligible to receive a $10 Gift Certificate from a sponsoring business!(While supplies last, first-come, first served.)

Information for
Families That Need Help
The Salvation Army
619 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-6561

The Salvation Army will be accepting 2004 Christmas Applications from November 8th thru November 19th and from November 29th through December 6th from 9:30am to 11:45am. Applications will not be taken in the afternoon.

(Applications will not be taken November 22 through 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.)

There will be evening hours for Working Individuals Only on Thursday November 18th and Friday December 3rd from 6pm to 8pm. Full Time students or people fulfilling community service hours during the day will need to bring documentation of their employment to be seen in the evening.

Anyone wishing to apply for food assistance and toys for their children will need to bring the following documentation:

If on Welfare

Photo ID and Mass Health Card listing all family members.

Official rent receipt or official bill with name and current address
(dated within last 2 months)

If on Social Security, SSI, Disability or Child Support

Photo ID & Social Security Card

Official rent receipt or official bill with name & current address
(dated within last 2 months)

Birth Certificate or Social Security cards for children or other family members living in household.

If Employed or Unemployed

Photo ID & two recent pay stubs or two unemployment stubs

Official rent receipt or official bill with name & current address
(dated within last 2 months)

Birth Certificate or Social Security cards
for children or other family members living in household

If more than one family lives in one household, please let the Salvation Army know so that each family can apply separately.
If a family has anyone 18 years of age or older in their home, or a spouse, they must bring in identification and proof of residence for this individual.
Anyone having foster children in their household should bring their passports for identification.

All applications will be taken at the Salvation Army office on 619 Purchase Street in New Bedford.
If you need more information, please call 508-997-6561.
Portuguese and Spanish-speaking individuals will be available for the application process.